Resolve workplace health and safety disputes

Dispute resolution provisions are provided in legislation. This avenue does not replace other issue resolution procedures under the WHS Act but provides another avenue for when disputes remain unresolved. Parties must make reasonable efforts to resolve the matter themselves. 

Resolving  a health and safety issue 

To resolve a health, safety and wellness (HSW) issue, follow these steps: 

1. Report the issue to your supervisor, manager or head of section, detailing the nature and scope of the concern. 
2. Meet with relevant parties to discuss:  
   • the level and urgency of risk 
   • who is affected and where 
   • temporary and long-term solutions 
   • who is responsible for implementing each measure 
3. Implement the agreed actions. 

If the issue is resolved, any party can request a written agreement outlining the issue and its resolution. The agreement must be approved by all parties and shared with: 

• all involved (e.g. Health and Safety Representative (HSR), Work Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC), affected workers, area manager) 
• the local HSW Committee (if requested) 

You can also consult your HSR at any stage of the process. 

If the issue can't be resolved locally, escalate it to the relevant faculty, institute or division HSW Committee. The Committee will help facilitate cooperation between management and workers and may assess whether the issue affects other areas. 

If the issue can still not be resolved, the issue can be referred the Regulator (Office of Industrial Relations) for them to appoint at an inspector to attend the workplace to assist in resolving the issue.  

For further information on the HSW Dispute Resolution process, see Health and Safety Consultative Mechanisms Procedure. 

Have a UQ HSW concern? 

If you're not a staff member or student at UQ and wish to raise a HSW matter or concern, contact the Director, Health, Safety and Wellness, email: hsw@uq.edu.au.